These Airborne Squirrels Have Us in Awe

Every once in a while, you come across a post about animals that is so simple yet funny, it gives you a new appreciation for them. While squirrels are such a common part of our everyday lives that we often don’t acknowledge them, they can be hilarious! Thanks to some amazing photos of squirrels in midair, they truly look like superheroes. Check out this Instagram post by @discover.animal to see these hilarious photos, and keep reading to learn more about squirrels and their incredible jumping abilities.

Superhero Squirrels

In the linked post above, taking a snapshot of a squirrel midair definitely makes them look like a superhero. Holding food in their mouths and jumping through the air makes them look like animals on a mission. One of the photos in the post shows a squirrel posed in a fighting stance, looking like it’s ready to strike. The photo looks like it was taken straight out of a scene from Kung Fu Panda, and it is hilarious to see. In the end, they really do look like superheroes. These hilarious photos represent squirrels in a way we never consider in our everyday lives, showing how amazing and athletic they truly are.

How Well Do Squirrels Jump?

Squirrels are amazing at jumping, with an anatomy that is perfect for maneuvering through the trees. Most of their jumping power comes from their hind legs. Pushing off with their hind legs, they can fly through the air. They are able to jump so well thanks to their amazing balance. Their tail works as a counterweight, helping them adjust their trajectory in mid-air. It also helps with adjusting their center of balance, meaning that they can land on different-width branches with ease. Given their light body weight, they can survive falls that larger animals would find more dangerous. With all these abilities, squirrels can leap distances of around nine feet and reach heights of up to four feet. These impressive skills truly make squirrels seem like superheroes.